Smith Says No To Start In Finale

The tradition at Virginia has the seniors starting the final home games of their career. Even - in some cases, especially - if they've never started before.

But in today's Atlantic Coast Conference game against Maryland at University Hall, Cavaliers' senior guard Doug Smith will stay with his normal role - as the sixth man.

Smith, who said he has always wanted his chance to ``run out of the tunnel,'' told Coach Jeff Jones he simply wanted to keep things as they are.

``I just don't think I need that for myself,'' Smith said. ``I don't feel I need one game that I started in. If I was chosen way back to be a starter, that's fine.

``I mean, I played 30 minutes in the game the other night. I don't know what more I could ask for. It's all about being on the court. He was offering it more as a reward, as a respect thing. And that's fine.

``But as I told him, I feel a regular part of this team. I've been given my role, and I don't see any reason to start as a gift.''

Jones says he fully understands.

``I just want to make sure he understands the opportunity to start wasn't a sympathy start,'' Jones said.

``It is merely a way for us to say, `Thank you.' and recognizing his contributions to the program. Which are significant.''